TWO historic Darlington churches are joining forces to increase what they can offer to the community.

Discussions over a merger for Corporation Road Baptist Church and Grange Road Baptist Church first started three-years-ago, and although there are still some formalities to complete, the churches are now operating as one under the banner of Darlington Baptist Church.

Rev Rodney Breckon said the move is mutually beneficial and will enable the church to grow its congregation and increase its community work.

“We are a church that wants to be there helping people and meeting people and by combining resources we can do that more effectively together than separately,” he said.

“This church has been well-known for its soup kitchen and catering for people who are struggling a bit and perhaps need some help.

“We give out clothes and emergency bedding and people are very generous in bringing items of comfort for people who need it and I think we are known as a church that does that.”

Rev Breckon said that work would continue at Grange Road with the extra support offered by Corporation Road church members.

The Grange Road church dates back to 1871 and members went on to found a mission hall in Corporation Road in 1897 to cater for residents on the other side of town.

This went on to become a full church in 1905 and has since been largely independent of Grange Road.

Now the two churches are joining back together, with Sunday morning services for both congregations now taking place at Grange Road.

Sunday evening worship will continue at Corporation Road.

Rev Breckon said that church members who may struggle to travel to Grange Road have been catered for with lifts.

The mother and toddler groups and lunch clubs at Corporation Road will continue for the foreseeable future, as will all the groups operating at Grange Road.

However, the longer term future of the Corporation Road building remains unclear.

Rev Breckon said: “The future of the church building is uncertain although our hope is that the outreach centre will continue and will be well-used and even see activities increased.”

Grange Road has grown its congregation from 20 members to up to 100 in recent years and Rev Breckon said it is essential that the church remains relevant to modern life in to continue to flourish.